The organizers had thoughtfully arranged a training ground specifically for the tournament participants.

However, Charles was clearly distracted on the field—a fact most obvious to the person facing him: Ikki Kurogane.

Ikki halted his attack and sheathed his sword, Intetsu. "Charles, is something going on? You've been acting off since yesterday."

Charles shook his head. "It's nothing. Let's just keep training."

What had happened wasn't something Ikki needed to get involved in right now, so Charles chose not to tell him.

Still, he couldn't help but think back to yesterday. Once again, he was struck by how astonishing this world's supernatural abilities could be.

As he had sensed, Bakuya Tsukikage wasn't a combat-type Blazer. His Device, the Moonshadow Jewel, wasn't even a weapon.

But the degree to which he had developed his ability was extremely high—unsurprising, given that he had once mentored Shinguuji Kurono.

His power functioned like a projector, able to read the memories of a place and display them visually.

But he had also developed a unique application: the ability to glimpse fragments of the future, presented in the form of so-called prophetic dreams.

And Tsukikage had shown Charles exactly that—letting him witness a vision of Japan's future, specifically the Tokyo region.

What he saw was a war-torn wasteland. Rubble and smoke filled the scene. Whatever weapon had caused that destruction, it had devastated Japan's core region.

The most crucial image, though, was that of Charles himself in the sky—clad in Dragon Flame Armor, gazing down on the battlefield like a god.

Unfortunately, Tsukikage's ability had clear limitations. He couldn't see the events that led to that moment, nor the enemy Charles was facing.

In other words, all the vision revealed was that Charles would somehow become involved in a war within Japan—but nothing else.

Charles still couldn't fathom why he would participate in such a conflict. Sure, he had a baseline sense of humanitarian duty, but he'd never had any particular fondness for this country.

Fighting for it? The very idea was laughable. At most, he might help evacuate innocent civilians—but that would be it. He had no interest in anything beyond that.

Still, it was only a fragment of fate. Charles would remain alert, but he wasn't going to brood over it.

Clearing his mind, Charles turned to Ikki. "Alright, we've got limited time. Come at me with everything you've got."

Seeing Charles return to form, Ikki gripped his katana firmly.

Though Charles had told him to go all out, the Seven Star Sword Art Festival officially began tomorrow. Every opponent had to be taken seriously, and using techniques like Ittou Shura wouldn't be wise here.

Charles wasn't using magic either—the two clashed using pure physical skill. There were no dazzling moves, but the danger level was still high.

Their footsteps moved fluidly across the training grounds, steel clashing against flesh in a nonstop rhythm. Amid the fierce back-and-forth, both fighters felt invigorated.

Ikki's swordsmanship had clearly improved. Even though he had fought Edelweiss for only one minute that day, the experience he gained was equivalent to years of training.

After all, Ikki possessed the talent of Perfect Imitation. Once he digested the battle fully, his swordsmanship evolved dramatically.

Charles had experienced the same. Facing different powerful foes across different worlds had rapidly sharpened his combat instincts.

Their fighting spirit burned ever higher, and their exchanges grew faster. Soon, the surrounding spectators could no longer follow the action.

Bits of clothing flew into the air. A piece of Ikki's collar had been sliced away by Charles's hand-blade, while Ikki's sword had taken off the cuff of Charles's sleeve.

At that moment, Ikki's sword came slashing down—but Charles's hand was already at his side.

So Charles turned his palm into a claw, swiping at Ikki's shoulder. Ikki managed to retreat, but his shirt bore five claw marks.

No time to celebrate. Charles was already closing in with a punch.

The punch was fast, but Charles knew Ikki well—he should've been able to block it with his blade.

Yet for some reason, Ikki hesitated.

That moment of delay was nearly fatal against someone like Charles. Had Charles not held back, the punch would've smashed into Ikki's face.

The blow stopped just short, but the force of the punch still sent a gust of wind through Ikki's hair.

Charles retracted his fist and said, "What's wrong? You don't look right. Your match is tomorrow—don't tell me you're getting nervous."

Ikki snapped back to his senses. "I don't know. Ever since my fight with Edelweiss, something's felt off.

That moment just now… it's not the first time it's happened. Every time I try to go full strength, it feels like my mind and body aren't in sync."

Charles frowned. "That's not a small issue."

Ikki's upcoming opponents were the most elite Blazers in the country. Even a tiny mistake could cost him the match—let alone a problem this serious.

Charles gave him a skeptical look. "You're not… traumatized by Edelweiss, are you?"

It was the first possibility that came to mind. Psychological scars left by certain opponents weren't uncommon.

Ikki gave a bitter smile. "I thought about that too, but I'm sure I'm not afraid of her."

Anyone else claiming they weren't scared of Twin Wings Edelweiss would've been laughed at. But Charles knew Ikki well—he truly didn't fear powerful swordsmen.

Swordsmanship was part of his very identity. If he feared someone stronger, he wouldn't be standing here like this. He would've broken long ago.

Charles rubbed his chin. "Then what could it be? You've got the 'Perfect Control' talent…"

His voice trailed off as realization struck him.

He looked at Ikki in shock. "Wait a second… could it be that?"

Ikki leaned in. "Charles, what are you thinking?"

Charles paused. "I remember you can copy techniques by clashing swords with an opponent, right? Then here's a thought—during your fight with Edelweiss, is it possible that you copied her swordsmanship?

And now, during battle, your instincts try to use it—but your body can't replicate those beyond-human moves. That would explain why your mind and body are falling out of sync."

Ikki immediately understood—and gave a helpless laugh.

Had he just been screwed over by his own talent?

And worse, there was no clear way to fix it.

Charles, on the other hand, looked excited.

They had once agreed to be rivals. But with Charles's ability to cross worlds, he had a vast advantage in both training resources and time.

In their reunion, Charles had already pulled ahead. But if Ikki had somehow absorbed Edelweiss's swordsmanship, he might just catch up.

As expected of the protagonist—his growth was like cheating. And with a rival like this, things were finally getting interesting.

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